SODA CREEK CAMPGROUND

Sparks Lake, fed by streams originating on the slopes of Broken Top, rests atop a porous, volcanic lakebed. Throughout the summer the lake level decreases as snowmelt declines and water seeps underground into nearby lakes and streams.

Recreation: Sparks Lake's clear water and mountainous backdrop make it a popular destination for paddling and photography.

Nearby: The accessible Ray Atkeson Trailhead begins near Sparks Lake Day Use area. The trail winds through lava channels and lodgepole pines. Less than a mile in, visitors will reach the Ray Atkeson Memorial Overlook where they will find one of the most iconic views in Central Oregon. Visitors can travel the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Range that weaves past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.